Autumn is here, with beautiful colors, abundant harvests, and gorgeous weather that makes most of us want to get outdoors and enjoy all the fall activities Central Ohio has to offer. Here’s a list of nine activities to do in the area, even better they are all free or inexpensive!
- Apple picking: Enjoy the pretty drive to Pick-ur-own farms such as Lynd Fruit Farm, and Hann Farms. Sites such as PickYourOwn.org have a complete list of U-Pick farms all around the area.
- Pumpkin Patches: Enjoy pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides, and lots of fall fun
- Do your own autumn colors tour: Prepare a batch of hot mulled cider, pour it into insulated cups, grab some cookies or trail mix, and jump in the car for a tour of our town’s beautiful fall foliage. If you drive by a Columbus Metro Park, consider adding number 4 to your trip.
- Take a walk through some fall foliage at one of Central Ohio’s 16 Metro Parks, with over 175 miles of trails, from easy strolls, to demanding hikes. It’s a sensory wonderland, with the crisp scent of autumn, the crunchy leaves, the cool weather, and the boost of energy you’ll get from the exercise.
- Our Metro Parks also have programs you could check into. They’ve got everything from bird watching groups, to classes about all things nature…often on group hikes with a naturalist, to night-time lantern strolls.
- Visit a local food festival, and enjoy the harvest from farmers right here in Central Ohio…nothing could be fresher!
- Take the produce you find at one of those local food festivals and cook up a storm! Juicy apples can become homemade apple sauce or apple pie. Robust pumpkin makes wonderful curried pumpkin soup, or pumpkin ravioli. Don’t forget kale and spinach: These cool weather greens make fabulous kale soup, or spinach salad with hot bacon dressing.
- Take advantage of memberships or senior discounts. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Franklin Park Conservatory, COSI, the Columbus Art Museum, or any number of other Central Ohio attraction. Each of them offers programs, seasonal displays, or a special autumn feel that you’ll miss if you don’t go this season.
- Crafts are a perfect idea for chilly, rainy, autumn days. Plan ahead during your walks and outdoor fun, by collecting beautiful leaves and nuts, purchasing gourds and vines, and keeping an eye out for craft-worthy items. Then when the weather coops you up indoors, create fall décor, Thanksgiving cards, and other autumnal crafts. Sites like Good Housekeeping or Country Living can give you great craft ideas and instructions.
